Microphone Positioning Mastery

The way you position your microphone can dramatically impact sound quality. For vocals, position yourself 6-8 inches from the microphone with a pop filter in between. For instruments, experiment with distance and angle – even moving an inch can significantly change the tone. Remember the proximity effect: closer positioning increases bass response, which can be used creatively or avoided depending on your needs.

Gain Staging for Cleaner Recordings

Proper gain staging is free yet crucial. Record with average levels around -18dB to -12dB, leaving headroom for unexpected volume peaks. This prevents clipping while capturing enough signal to stay well above the noise floor. Always monitor your levels and do test recordings before committing to a full take.